Surprise sendoff slated for Friday

Lansing's Miss Kansas USA Ashley Aull is getting ready to leave for the Miss USA Pageant, and her parents are planning a surprise sendoff - with an emphasis on surprise.

The surprise sendoff celebration will be Friday evening, March 31, at The Overlook restaurant, 720 First Terrace. Well-wishers are asked to gather at the restaurant about 7 p.m. Ashley and her parents, Melanie and Alex Aull, are set to arrive about 7:15 p.m., Melanie Aull said.

"We're trying to spread the word about the surprise," Melanie Aull said. "Anybody who wants to come and wish Ashley the best is welcome."

The sendoff will continue until about 8:30 p.m., Melanie Aull said.

State pageant winners from across the nation will begin heading to Baltimore in early April for three weeks of events that culminate with the nationally televised Miss USA Pageant on April 21.